Recording test tones on a reel. Newbie needs help.

[Grenouille]

What equipment do I need to record those? Do I need a sinus tone generator or something like that, or simply a CD with the needed tones and a CD-Player hooked up to my r2r? Do I need to record those tones on every track of the r2r?

 

[A Reel Person]

Okay, y'got me.

It kinda depends on what you're trying to accomplish by doing so,... which is...(?)

Either method would be equally precise or shoddy,... (your choice),... because recording a test tone doesn't really prove anything, 'cept that what you recorded either does or does not match what's played back.

It's probably a more comprehensive test if you record the same tone on all channels, at the same level, simultaneously.

 

[regebro]

I always record a 440 Hz 0db test tone on all channels first on the tape. This is to get a 0db an speed reference if I'd ever want to play the tape somewhere else.

As the point it to provide a 0db and a tuning reference, you do not need special test tone equipment. A synthesizer that can beep out a stable A4 sine wave does fine. I use my nord modular.

 

[Herm]

You could use your computer if you have a program like cool edit that will put out a tone like that if you need it.
It could be used for referance later to check for wear on your heads. But I think it is mostly used when you send a tape in for having cds made or cassetes so the duplication company can set their recorder to the same speed.